Essentials for Summer Entertaining

The kitchen is the heart of the home but we love how it transitions to the outdoors during the warmer months. If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor kitchen setup, it’s fun to move prep outside under the sun. Whether that means you’re hosting a summer barbecue for friends, or just a regular family dinner, creating a beautiful spread and welcoming environment is everything in the summer. There are a few crucial elements to summer entertaining. Here, a few pointers.

Let’s start with tablecloths. They’re a building block of your summer entertaining spread. It’s an opportunity to play with pattern and color, even if it’s something super neutral, like McGee & Co.’s Duncan Linen Tablecloth. Or you could go bold with a print like our Adela Tablecloth. The botanical motif elevates the tablescape with a fun, summery pattern.

Next up, napkins. Leveling up from your average paper towel is a great way to make your summer tablescape feel sophisticated and finished. Complement the patterns and colors in your beautiful napkins with a napkin ring. We love McGee & Co.’s Botanical Brass Napkin Rings for the summertime, with its organic vine motif. Another favorite is the Bamboo Napkin Rings. Bamboo is a sure bet for summer styling.

When you’re moving the party outside and away from the kitchen, it’s essential to have serving elements that make transportation to and from convenient. When entertaining outside, trays are a must. They make it easy to move things from inside the house to the place they will be presented and also serve as a way to corral everything and make the spread feel intentionally put together. We also love having drinks and water premade in beautiful pitchers, like our Pilar Glass Pitcher. These act as a vessel for your beverages, and a stunning piece of decor at the same time.

From top left: Ridgeway Bar Cart, Myrthe Smoke Bubble Wine Glass, Bubble Glass Pitcher, McGee & Co. Terracotta Planter, Hamlet Hanging Chair, The Market Umbrella, Pietra Wine Glass, Gloria Cane Placemat, Avondale Melamine Dinner Plates, Eyelet Napkins, Lilia Matte Black Flatware, Haviland Outdoor Dining Chair with Striped Cushions, Yale Outdoor Dining Table in White Concrete, Hand-Woven Rattan Food Tray with Cover.